Four groups of UTM students won third prize in the 2nd National Virtual Simulation Competition of Tourism Management. They said that joining the contest was an inspiring and educational experience, and enhanced their professional skills
A number of UTM students entering the recent tourism management competition, held in the Nansha District of Guangzhou, Guangdong, next door to Macao, said it was an eye-opening experience for them. The UTM undergraduates stated that competing with top students from Mainland in the contest inspired them to work harder and aim higher in terms of their own development.
Nearly 3,000 students from 163 universities across the country participated in the initial round of the competition. Four teams comprising a total of 16 UTM students – under the guidance of scholars from the University’s Faculty of Innovative Hospitality Management (FIHM) – emerged as third prize winners in the final round of the competition.
“It’s our first time representing UTM in a competition, and we are incredibly excited and joyful about winning an award at a national level,” said Year 1 students Kevin Chen Zekai and Austin Guo Hongrui, part of a team guided by UTM Assistant Professor Dr. Sherry Tan Xiuchang.
“We had the opportunity to interact and compete with students majoring in tourism and hospitality from around the country. It has significantly improved both our professional capabilities and understanding of culture,” they added.
For Cindy Li Xintong, it was her first time representing UTM in a nationwide competition. It meant she could apply what she had learned at the University in a real-world setting. Cindy’s own team was guided by FIHM Lecturer Mr. Alan Cheng Wan Lok.
“[The competition] provided us with a platform to showcase our skills and experience the development of the tourism industry in Nansha during the on-site field trips,” Cindy explained. “It was a valuable experience that deepened my understanding of what I have learned in the classroom.”
Hands-on practice
The competition combined an online approach with hands-on practice via field research. Students were encouraged to think creatively, utilise the professional knowledge they have already gained, and present regional tourism development proposals to contribute to rural revitalisation projects.
Discussing her group’s proposal for the competition, Hidi Liang Haitong mentioned that – prior to their arrival in Nansha for the final round of the contest – her team, guided by UTM Assistant Professor Dr. Hazel Xu Yueying, extensively researched planning ideas and market positioning for Nansha and its role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
“Our success was due to teamwork, collaboration, and the meticulous coaching of Dr. Xu”, emphasised Hidi, adding that the team’s proposal was themed around theatre and Lingnan culture. “Travel is no longer just about sightseeing, as consumers increasingly value ‘experience’ during their travels,” she remarked.
The competition not only provided Year 1 students at UTM with their own enlightening experiences, but also benefitted senior undergraduates including Winnie Zhu Yingxin, a Year 3 student of Hotel Management. Her own team, under the guidance of Lecturer Dr. Li Xiaoye, focused on the distinctive features of Qianfeng Water Town in Nansha.
“The competition broadened our horizons and enriched our knowledge and experience,” Winnie said. “We applied theoretical knowledge to the real situations, utilising the underlying logic and concepts from various relevant courses we have taken at UTM, including hotel management, cost control, and risk management, to complete our proposal.”
Joining the contest has fuelled the UTM students’ desire for further improvement in their tourism skills and expertise. Year 1 student Hidi was impressed by the work presented by the top teams in the competition. “[This experience] inspires us to strive harder to become excellent tourism practitioners in the future,” she said. Hidi was confident that her capabilities and skills will get significant improvement throughout her studies at UTM.
Kevin and Austin echoed a similar sentiment. “We will work harder and improve our professional capabilities to cope with challenges in the future,” they said.
“Being in Macao, where Eastern and Western cultures converge, and being at a platform for professional studies such as UTM… we, as the new generation of industry leaders, should seize the opportunities and create more possibilities [for development],” they added.
The 2nd National Virtual Simulation Competition of Tourism Management for College Students took place from 15 to 19 May in Nansha. The contest was jointly organised by the Tourism Education Branch of China Tourism Association, the College of Tourism and Service Management at Nankai University, the Communist Youth League of China Nansha District Committee, and Guangzhou Nansha Asset Management Group Co., Ltd.
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
